Town of Markham REPORT TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE
TO:	Mayor and Members of Council
FROM:	Jim Baird, Commissioner of Development Services John Wright, Director of Building Standards
PREPARED BY:	Elvio Valente, Zoning Supervisor
DATE OF MEETING:	April 4, 2006
SUBJECT:	Ground Sign Variance Forest Bay Homes Ltd. 7330 Markham Road Application # 05-013949

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the ground sign variance, application # 05-013949, submitted by Forest Bay Homes Ltd., BE DENIED.

BACKGROUND:

A sign variance report came before Development Services on March 7, 2006. Committee deferred the variance so that staff could consult further with the applicant. The proposed option was to “trade” signage rights on Denison Street for a second sign along Markham Road. The applicant outlines their position in the attached letter.

There were also questions raised at Development Services Committee with regards to traffic flow and identification of driveways.

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

Staff consulted with the applicant and advised that the proposal to eliminate signage along Denison Street and to permit the second sign on Markham Road could not be supported for the following reasons:

1. There are other ways to achieve better visibility that comply with the Sign By-law.

2. If approved, the precedent set by the proposal would have the effect of proliferating signage on major roads at intersections.

The Sign By-law permits two directional signs per entrance. They can be 0.75m² (8 square feet) each and can include their corporate logos on them. These signs can help direct traffic by identifying the separate driveways for Tim Hortons and Petro-Canada.

Interior directional signs are also permitted to help direct traffic.

Tim Hortons also has the ability to erect wall signs on both the north and south elevations of the building which will also help visibility.

Design staff has advised the Building Department that the trellis feature was always contemplated as an entry feature and that the applicant was aware that any signs on the corner would have to be located on either side of the trellis. Design staff consulted with the Building Department to confirm provisions of the by-law during site plan approval and the applicant was made aware of them.

Allowing such a variance would also set a precedent for all corner lots to request that they be allowed to remove their signs on the less traveled street and erect a second sign on the busier street frontage. This would concentrate a proliferation of signs at intersections.

Furthermore, a bylaw amendment prohibiting a ground sign on Dennison Road would be required to effect the applicant’s proposal. Such site-specific amendments present significant administration and enforcement difficulties.

Therefore the Building Department recommends that the ground sign variance be denied.

INTER DEPARTMENTAL IMPLICATIONS:

The By-law Enforcement and Licensing Department is responsible for the inspection and enforcement of the Sign By-law.

ATTACHMENTS:

Figure 1 – Original March 7, 2006 Sign Variance Report

Figure 2 – Letter From Applicant

_______________________________ ________________________________

John Wright, Jim Baird,

Director of Building Standards Commissioner of Development Services

FIGURE 1 – Original March 7, 2006 Sign Variance Report

FIGURE 2 – Letter From Applicant